About Gulmarg

Gulmarg, located at an elevation of 2650 m above sea level is the crown of Jammu & Kashmir. Gulmarg is a Kashmiri word with its literal meaning “Meadow of Flowers”. It is a hill station located in the Baramullah district of Jammu & Kashmir. Earlier Gulmarg was called Gaurimarg, which was the name of Lord Shivas’s wife, however, kings like Jehangir and Yousuf Shah Chuk often visited the place, and eventually, Yousuf Shah changed its name to ‘Gulmarg’. Also, Sir Marc Aurel Stein, who was an Asian explorer, set up tents in Gulmarg in between his expeditions as this was his favorite holiday destination. Kashmir is called a paradise on earth and many places have been compared to Kashmir, however, this magical place has no comparison whatsoever. Gulmarg, located in the paradise itself, offers jaw-dropping views of the mountains and the valley that gets covered in a thick sheet of snow during the winter season makes it a dreamland of magical wonders. The spellbinding views will not only leave you speechless but also make you admire how beautiful is the creation of nature, and how something could be this good. Providing beautiful backdrops of the Himalayan Mountains, Gulmarg attracts hundreds of tourists every year. It is a famous honeymoon destination, as well as a perfect place for families and friends to spend their vacation here. Since the valley gets covered in snow, skiing is one adventure activity that you can enjoy here. Apart from providing picturesque views of the valley with its pristine beauty and panorama, Gulmarg also offers several attractions such as the second highest golf course, the frozen lake of Alpather, the Frozen waterfall of Drung, the Gondola rides, which are the second-highest cable car rides.

Gulmarg Geography

Lying in a cup-shaped valley of the Pir Panjal Range, Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful hill stations of India, situated at an elevation of 2650 m above sea level. Due to its towering height, it boasts of having the highest golf course in the world and the highest cable car ride. Located 56km from Srinagar, Gulmarg has a prime location making it a hotspot for tourists and also the favorite holiday destination as well as the honeymoon destination. Skiers are in for a treat as the valley gets covered with snow, giving them plenty of opportunities to ski. Surrounded by snowy mountains and enchanting views with intoxicating beauty, Gulmarg is a must-visit place in Kashmir.

Plan My Package Recommends: Places to Visit in Gulmarg

Alpather Lake

At an elevation of 4390 m above sea level, Alpather is a high-altitude lake in Gulmarg that remains frozen most of the year and is located at the foot of the twin Apharwat peaks. This lake is at a distance of 13km from Gulmarg and can easily be reached by a 1.5km hike from Gondola phase-II but if you are willing to trek then you can do a 1-day trek of 13km. However, if one doesn’t feel like hiking or trekking then they can also hire a horse to help them reach there. The lake is a popular one in Gulmarg and is said to have similarities with Lake Louise which is a lake in Canada. Blessing your eyes with brown mountains, green meadows, and surreal beauty, Alpather lake is a famous picnic spot. The water remains frozen for most of the year from November to June, hence it’s called the frozen lake, however, as July steps in, the water begins to liquidity. It is said that it is not just a random lake in Gulmarg but the journey to this lake is an experience in itself that everyone should have. Once you reach the lake, the stunning panoramic views are something you can boast to your friends too.

Kongdoori Gondola Apharwat

The Gondola cable car ride in Gulmarg Kashmir is said to be the second-highest and second longest cable car ride in the entire world and is one of the major attractions of the Gulmarg region, pulling tourists towards Gulmarg to experience this wonderful ride extending to the peak of Apharwat Mountain at an elevation of 3980 m above sea level. The Gondola is a lift that carries passengers from one place. The Gondola ride runs in two phases, Phase-I starts from Gondola and takes passengers to Kongdoor and from there one has to switch to the other Gulmarg Gondola from where the phase-II starts and that ends in Apharwat. One can take Gulmarg gondola tickets from the base of the starting point of Phase-I. These cable car rides give you the perfect view of Khilanmarg and Gulmarg. The time required is almost 1-2 hours to complete the Gondola ride. The ski run of 3km which is the longest one, is accessed through these gondola cable cars. These rides are something one should try because the view from the top will be the most wonderful thing ever. Winters are the best time to take these rides as the valley gets covered in white cottony snow.

Time: 10:00 am to 5:00pm

St.Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church, located near the golf course, built 110 years back, is one of the ancient Churches with the Victorian style of architecture. It is popular for its stained glasswork and the walls are made of grey stone. Looking more like a countryside chapel, the Saint Mary’s Church is accessible only by trekking up to the Church. The tiles are green and the walls are decorated with woodwork, making it one of the ancient masterpieces of the country. During winters, after it snows, the church sparkles like crystal, making it picture-perfect. At night, the Church is adorned with beautiful lights, so if you want to make the most of your visit while you are in Gulmarg then you should visit the Church at night. There are several hotels and huts and the hotels are quite old but lie near the Church. The Church has been renovated in 2003 and provides an unmatched level of tranquility one can hardly find in cities. The timing to enter the Church is between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Gulmarg Golf Course

Located in Gulmarg, this Golf Course is said to be the second-highest in the world with an elevation of 2650 m above sea level. Located near the Alpine Mountains, this 18-hole golf course attracts many tourists for golfing holidays. The history of this golf course goes back to the year 1911 when this golf course was opened by the Britishers. Earlier in the 19th century, this golf course had only 6-holes and was established by Colonel Neville Chamberlain. In the year 1922, this golf course had its very own Championship for the first time and since then several tournaments have been held here giving the golfers an experience of a lifetime by playing in an 18-hole golf course at the world’s second-highest green golf course in the world. It was renovated and then inaugurated again in the year 2011 and is surrounded by mighty mountains and picturesque views. The timings to visit the golf course are between 8:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Strawberry Valley

Strawberry Valley in Gulmarg located at Alwa Farm road is one of the untouched beauty of the Kashmir Valley. This less explored beauty has kept its charm alive by producing the ripest and the sweetest strawberry in the region. During the strawberry season when they are ripe and ready to be consumed, the region looks like a picture of paradise with green meadows and snow-clad mountains. Summers remain the busiest time as the strawberries are ready for harvesting. Tourists come here to admire this wonderful strawberry valley and stroll through it and even taste some of the fresh strawberries. One can also plan a picnic over here as the place provides a calm enchanting surrounding for you to relax under the clear blue sky. Earlier, a few film shots have been taken from the Strawberry Valley. The best time to explore the area is during summers between March to July when the strawberries are ready to be harvested. One can reach the valley by hiking or hiring a horse.

Places Near Gulmarg

Shrine Of Baba Reshi

Located in Rambodh Village, about 13km from Gulmarg, near the Alpather Lake, is the 13th-century Shrine of Baba Reshi of Baba Payam Din, a popular Muslim saint who died in the year 1480 while praying and meditating. It is believed that Baba Reshi moved to the Rambodh Village and preached Islam as well as performed miracles. It is believed that tourists visiting Kashmir often visit this shrine and make wishes that are often granted. After their wishes get granted the devotees visit the shrine again to make offerings to the Saint. The shrine is quite important to the Muslims and is revered by the Hindus as well. Although it is an important shrine for Muslims, it is open for everyone, people of all religions, families, and couples, the shrine welcomes everyone with open arms. You can also find food stalls and washrooms nearby. One cannot wear footwear inside the shrine and also cannot take any pets inside the Baba Reshi Shrine. The exploration time for the shrine is between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Ningle Nallah

About 10km from the beautiful region of Gulmarg is a mountain stream called the Ningle Nallah that is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and greenery with enchanting surroundings giving a panoramic view of the valley. The source of water in this Nallah is the melting of ice from the Apharwat Peaks as well as the Alpathar Lake. The Ningle Nallah passes through the valleys and mountains and unites with the Jhelum River. For tourists who are keen on exploring places that are off the beaten path, then this is the exact place where they belong. It’s a perfect spot for having family picnics while admiring the beauty and listening to the sound of gushing streams and the melody of the migratory birds. During the summer season, the stream looks very pleasant as if it’s humming with the mountains, and during the winter season it becomes milky white due to the snow, the region becomes extremely cold but also extremely beautiful. Since there are no shops or stalls for eateries in the nearby areas, it is advised that you take all the eateries while visiting. Ningle Nallah, a perfect spot for picnics with your loved ones, can be reached easily by hiring a taxi. The preferred time to visit the area is between 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with an exploration time of 3 hours.

Drung waterfall, Tangmarg

About 14km away from Gulmarg is a small picturesque village called Drung in Tangmarg and is mostly famous for its frozen waterfall near Gulmarg. The place has recently come into the spotlight and became a hotspot for tourists. During the summer season, the area looks absolutely beautiful and radiant, with panoramic views and cold breeze but during winters, when the only sound you can hear is that of silence, this magical place looks stunning as the waterfall freezes due to extremely low temperatures, making you feel like you are in the famous fiction movie of Narnia. Although Drung does not see a lot of crowd during the winter season as compared to summers, however, in winters Drung looks like a magical land, making you wonder if this is what paradise looks like. The dead silence, the cold winds, and dropping temperatures make you want to prolong your stay. Being a photographer’s paradise, Drung remains beautiful throughout the year, however, your experience in summers will differ from your experience in winters but worth the visit in either of the seasons. Drung is where your must-see places in the Kashmir list should start.

Best Time to visit Gulmarg

Gulmarg Weather

Gulmarg in summers

• Summers in Gulmarg start from April and stays till June, marking the most pleasant time as the temperatures don’t rise much and the weather remains pleasant. The flowers begin to bloom and the Valley flaunts its lush green views. This is the best time for local sightseeing in Gulmarg. Gulmarg’s maximum temperature in summers is 19℃ and the minimum temperature drops to 2℃.

Gulmarg in Monsoon

• July marks the onset of Monsoon lasting till September. Monsoon in Gulmarg makes the temperature rise by a few degrees instead of dropping. If you want to avoid the tourists’ crowd then the monsoon is the right time for you to plan your trip to Gulmarg as the river and streams begin to sparkle. Gulmarg’s maximum temperature in Monsoon is 22℃ and the minimum temperature drops to 10℃.

Gulmarg in Winters

• The months between October to March is the season of winter in Gulmarg. Winters in Gulmarg is a completely different experience as most tourists feel that the extremely cold winters are not for them but that is the time when Gulmarg looks stunning as the snow covers the valley, making it look like a dreamland. Gulmarg’s maximum temperature in winters is 15℃ and the minimum temperature drops to -8℃.
• Thus the best time to visit Gulmarg is between March to June. Know More

How to Reach Gulmarg

Gulmarg by Air

• The Sheikh-Ul Alam International airport in Srinagar is the nearest airport from Gulmarg at a distance of 56km. It is an international airport connecting major cities of the country. There are direct and frequent flights to Srinagar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or cab and reach Gulmarg. There are several taxis from Srinagar to Gulmarg.

Gulmarg by Train

• The nearest railway station from Gulmarg is the Jammu Tawi railway station at a distance of 290km that is connected to major cities. One can hire a taxi or cab from the railway station that will cover the distance and take you to Gulmarg.

Gulmarg by Road

• The NH A-1 is the National Highway connecting major cities of India to Gulmarg. Apart from that, several private, as well as government-owned busses to Gulmarg, are available. Sometimes people take their car and drive to Gulmarg if they don’t live very far away.

Places to Stay in Gulmarg

Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

Located 8825 m above sea level near Gondola in Gulmarg, Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is one of the best resorts in Gulmarg. Giving spellbinding views of the Apharwat Peaks, the resort has 85 fully furnished and well-maintained rooms with modern amenities, providing you the ultimate comfort. The resort has 4-onsite restaurants for you to treat your taste buds with some delicious food. Providing world-class luxury and fine services by the extremely trained staff, the resort also has its very own swimming pool, a wellness center, and a spa. The restaurants include Calabash, which is a sheesha lounge, Cloves, that serves cuisines from all over the world, Nouf for a relaxed dining experience and the last one is Chaikash, serving tea and coffee.

Alpine Ridge Hotel

Located 5 minutes drive away from Gondola, the Alpine Ridge hotel in Gulmarg provides stunning backdrops of the Apharwat Peaks. The hotel has 23 rooms that include deluxe rooms, suites, and single rooms. The rooms are quite spacious and provide stunning views from the windows. Making your stay as comfortable as possible, the hotel provides modern amenities, rooms with attached washrooms, an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant, wifi access, free parking a recreation center, and an excellent staff making sure all your needs are fulfilled.

Heevan Retreat

Located in Gulmarg, Heevan Retreat is a heaven for tourists in Gulmarg. Offering you the most picturesque views of the Apharwat peaks. It is a luxury hotel providing you with carpet flooring, centrally heated rooms to keep you warm during the harsh winters of Kashmir. 30 deluxe rooms are not only spacious but also adorned with Kashmiri arts and crafts. The hotel has an in-house multicuisine restaurant called Dilkhusa serving Kashmiri, Continental, Chinese, and Gujrati cuisines. After a tiring day of exploring this amazing region of Gulmarg, one needs a hot cup of coffee and tea, which can be found in the Heevan Retreat’s coffee lounge where you can sip your favorite cup of coffee/tea and relax. Know More

Places to Eat in Gulmarg

Cloves

Cloves is one of the in-house restaurants in the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa near Gondola. The resort not only provides top-notch services but also some top-notch food that will make your tummy happy. Being a multi-cuisine restaurant of Gulmarg, the restaurant has something for everyone. The dishes are prepared using Kashmiri ingredients so that you can never forget the taste of Kashmir. Enjoy pasta and Wazwan which is a full course meal and a specialty in Kashmir that one should try. The view from the restaurant remains stunning, giving you an experience of a lifetime.

Highland Park Restaurant

Highland Park is the restaurant giving you a touch of typical Kashmir with the perfect seating arrangements. It serves multi-cuisines, including Kashmiri, Continental, Chinese, and even Mughlai, that are worth drooling over. The ceilings and paneled walls are the most attractive part of the restaurant. The sitting arrangement might make you feel like you are back in the ’80s.

The Lounge By Alpine Ridge Hotel

The Lounge By Alpine Ridge Hotel is the in-house multicuisine restaurant, located near the Gondola. The lounge has a rustic touch with woodwork all over it, making the ambiance of the place perfect. Not only does the restaurant provides stunning views but also some of the most delicious cuisines. They also provide bottled beer and hookah with several different flavors.

Nedous Dining Room

Nedous Dining Room is located on the opposite side of the Golf course, serving home-style cooked food when you are craving your mom’s food while on a trip to Gulmarg. Yellow lightings, rustic cottage look and adorned with Kashmiri crafts, making the restaurant even more retro and a perfect dining place. The food served here is completely organic and the traditional ingredients are used for traditional dishes. Once you are there, you should ask for Chef’s recommendation and try that out.

Bakshi Restaurant

If you are craving some vegetarian food and can’t find a place that serves one, then come running to Bakshi Restaurant, located near the main market area of Gulmarg. The restaurant has been serving guests from the year 1987. The seating arrangements are quite comfortable making you feel like you are in the dining room of your own home. Such a homely atmosphere brings out a very good vibe to the place. Giving backdrops of the snow-covered mountains, the restaurant serves authentic vegetarian and Jain food that is mouth-watering. Do try the butter naan and pumpkins.

Do’s & Don’ts in Gulmarg

Do’s

• Do carry extra layers of clothing if you are traveling in monsoon or winters.
• Do try the Kashmiri cuisines for some tasty treats.
• Do visit the local market and shop from there.
• Do take a shikara ride.
• Do carry your ID proof at all times.

Don’ts

• Do not indulge in any wrong practices.
• Do not buy anything illegal.
• Do not wander around in absolutely isolated places.
• Do not lose your ID proof.

Pincode

The Pincode for Gulmarg is 193403.